Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 3.djvu/1258

1178 were under his command, and they surrendered together to the inevitable. When further warlike endeavor was in vain he returned to his home, to give his future efforts in his country's cause in the peaceful channels of industry. He again engaged in the mercantile pursuits he had abandoned, but two years later disposed of this business, and since then has given his entire attention to the management of his estate, and his financial interests, which are important. For three years he held the position of president of the Farmers' bank, and in 1889 he became president of the Suffolk national bank. In civil, as in military life, he has disregarded title, and has never permitted himself to be drawn into the strife for public office. He was elected lieutenant-colonel of the Fourth Virginia regiment, in Gen. Fitz Lee's brigade, since the war and resigned the position in 1892. A camp of Confederate Veterans was organized in Suffolk in 1895, known as Tom Smith camp, C. V., in honor of Lieutenant Smith and he was elected its commander. No man in southeastern Virginia is more widely known and honored. His home life was one of typical happiness, beautified by the gentle companionship of his wife, until her death in 1890. She was Harriet G. Borland, to whom he was married in 1869. She was a daughter of Dr. Roscius Borland, of North Carolina, and a niece of Senator Borland, of Arkansas, who served as a colonel in the Confederate States army. One of the strongest characteristics of Colonel Smith is his loyalty and enduring friendship for the survivors of the Confederate war, and it may also be said that there can be no more convincing evidence of his manly and noble nature than the love and respect which are accorded him by his comrades. He has a particularly warm place in the hearts of Confederate veterans on account of his generosity in erecting at his own expense, in 1889, an imposing monumental shaft to commemorate the Confederate dead at Suffolk. Upon the unveiling of this splendid tribute to his comrades, the beauty and chivalry of eastern Virginia congregated to do honor to the fallen heroes. The governor of the State, Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, was present, and some of the ablest orators of the mother of States contributed their eloquence to make the occasion impressive and memorable. On the west side of the shaft is inscribed:

On the south side:

To the Memory of the Confederate Dead: This shaft, on which we carve no name. Shall guide Virginia's youth— A sign post on the road to fame, To honor and to truth. A silent sentry, it shall stand To guard through coming time Their graves who died for native land And duty most sublime.

On the north side:

With shouts above the cannon's roar They join the legion gone before; They bravely fought, they bravely fell; They wore the Gray and wore it well.